Preparing for an interview can be daunting, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can impress your interviewer and increase your chances of getting the job. One of the most important aspects of any interview is to answer the questions in a clear and concise manner.

Job interviews can be nerve-wracking experiences, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can turn them into opportunities to shine. In this blog post, we'll explore some essential tips to help you master the art of job interviews.

1) Research the company and your job responsibilities

Before your interview, it’s important to research the company and the job position you’re applying for. This will give you an idea of what they might be looking for and what sort of questions might be asked. Look at how the company markets themselves; their social media presence, website and recent news articles will give you an indication of their mission, values, and culture. Make sure to review your job description and make a list of relevant skills and qualifications required for the position.

2) Practise common interview questions

“Why do you want to work for this company?”, “Tell me about yourself”, “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”... We’ve all heard of the most common interview questions and these are to be expected. Practise these questions beforehand to make you feel more confident and prepared. Ask family and friends to create a mock interview, write it all down so you can go over your answers several times or even say them out loud in front of a mirror. 

3) Use the STAR method

When needing to answer behavioural questions such as “Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult candidate”, you can answer using the STAR method. This stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Start by describing the situation, then explain the task or challenge you faced, the action you took to address the situation, and the result or outcome. Using the STAR method helps you structure a clear and concise answer whilst highlighting your problem solving skills.

4) Be specific and provide examples

When answering interview questions about your skill set and experience, use examples. Don’t just say ‘team player’ or ‘good time management’, give examples of times you demonstrated these skills. This will give the interviewer a better understanding of how you can fit into the company.

5) Listen carefully and ask questions

During the interview, make sure to listen carefully to the questions being asked, don’t worry if you need to take a couple of minutes to answer them. If you don’t understand a question, don’t be scared to ask for clarification. Having a few questions prepared for the end of the interview shows that you are interested in the company and have done your research.

Answering interview questions effectively requires preparation, practice and a clear and concise communication style. By following these tips, you will have more of a chance of impressing your interviewer and getting the job.